Introduction to Manangement Class
I use case studies in my Introduction to Management class. Initially, the student are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the case study way of learning. I explain to them that in my MBA program, this is how I learned. Then I explain that companies want people with critical and analytical thinking abilities. As time goes on, they adapt to learning throught case studies because we use Starbucks, McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts competing for coffee sales. They love this discussion and they become proud of themselves of the level of sharing and learning that they are contributing to the entire class.
Hi Shantana,
Love it! When you make learning apply to the real world, students have a different level of excitement!
Patricia Scales
I also teach a intro to management and business course. What I have found to work even better is to break the class into small companies and they solve the issues at hand as if they were actually the company in the study. I have also used "The Apprentice" and "Shark Tank" or a version of them in my class as well. Students love the concept.
Hi Kristian,
Students really want to and need to know how things are going to be in the workplace. It is our job to prepare our students fully to be successful in the workplace.
Patricia Scales
Such a key comment. To relay how what happens in the classroom is modeled against what they will be faced with later on at the workplace, this works well.
Hi Sherry,
Awesome! Anything new sometimes bring about fear! The more students do this type of learning aid, the more comfortable they will become! Our students need as much as possible to help them prepare for the real world.
Patricia Scales
Hi Machuria,
I understand how case studies can be uncomfortable to our type of students initially. We as educators have to do as you have done, implement case studies and students will eventually get used to doing them. Case studies really make you use your critical thinking skills.
Patricia Scales
Students in professional programs truly benefit from case studies as they require that students apply what they have learned. Initially when I introduced case based exercises, students felt insecure about their knowledge and how well they would be able to apply what they have learned. I now introduce case studies in groups for initial assignments so that students can work collaboratively to answer the questions. As students grow more confident, they are better prepared to work independently on future assignments. I have seen students confidence grow tremendously as a result.
